Istanbul to become 'cruise hub' with Yenikapi project

By Arife Yildiz Unal

ANKARA (AA) - Istanbul's Yenikapi Cruise Port Project will become operational soon, Turkey's transport and infrastructure minister said on Tuesday.

"Istanbul will be the starting and finishing points in cruise tourism after the port becomes operational," Cahit Turhan told Anadolu Agency.

Turhan did not give further details about the exact date of the launch but said the tender for the project will be completed next year.

Stating that the cruise tourism constitutes 2% of world's total tourism, he said: "Cruise tourism in Turkey grew 23% on average annually from 2003 to 2009".

Turkey aimed at 3-million cruise passenger capacity, Turhan noted.

* Writing by Tuba Sahin